Chelsea and Manchester United are facing a battle to convince Wesley Sneijder to come to England [GETTY]

Sneijder, 29, currently of Turkish side Galatasaray, was advised last month by Dutch coach Louis van Gaal to join Chelsea when the transfer window reopens.

Despite Galatasaray president Unal Aysal claiming he has no intention of letting the midfield playmaker leave the club, according to reports in Italy Milan are readying a bid to tempt Sneijder back to Italy.

Current Gala coach Roberto Mancini is keen to add to his squad and wants to bring Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy to Turkey in the new year.

AC Milan are set to make a January bid for the midfielder [GETTY]

“The Italians are now ready to offer El Shaarawy, who has been linked with Liverpool and Tottenham, as part of a deal which would bring Sneijder to the San Siro”

The Italians are now ready to offer El Shaarawy, who has been linked with Liverpool and Tottenham, as part of a deal which would bring Sneijder to the San Siro.

Sneijder spent four years with Milan's closest rivals Inter and enjoyed much success achieving the treble - including the 2010 Champions League crown under Jose Mourinho.

The Blues boss is a huge admirer of Sneijder and was eyeing a move to add him to his squad, which is already brimming full of attacking talent.

United manager David Moyes, who failed in his attempts to sign Sneijder in the summer, is keen to renew his interest once the transfer window reopens as he looks to shake up his midfield options.